Wear Your Medal

Something I love about marathoners, and perhaps runners in general, is that we aren't afraid to celebrate. When you cross that finish line, a special thing happens. You are handed your medal, you put it over your neck like everyone else, and you celebrate the big thing you just did.

At the finish line, it doesn’t matter how fast you ran the race. It doesn't matter if it's your first race or your 50th. For a few hours, we're all the same. We did it. And we celebrate it. And actually, I suppose it does matter how many you've done because if it is your first, then you are celebrated that much more. Veterans will cheer for you, welcoming you into this new amazing community. It doesn't matter what place you finished or if you walk or ran. If you crossed the finish line, you are welcome.

So many times in life, we avoid celebration in an effort to be humble. When this happens, we forget that true humility isn't denying our successes or our abilities, it's just recognizing that we didn't get them alone. I believe that we can wear the medal, while still pointing to the people and circumstances that made it possible.

Next time you accomplish something, take a minute to celebrate. Put on your theoretical medal and be proud of what you've done. And if you look around and no one is celebrating with you, then find the people who will.